About the Experience: I was employed with the college for two years as a student and also worked full-time during the summer months. I worked across all offices of university development and took part in donor relations, alumni affairs, planned giving, and annual giving event planning and execution. In the breadth of my projects, I undertook statistical research, event planning, and end of the fiscal year financial organization ventures giving me well-rounded exposure to this sector of higher education.

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What I Learned: Working in development was my introduction to the professional world of higher education. During my time in this department, I learned about the financial implications and the importance of donor and alumni activity. For example, low annual fund participation might mean less scholarship money for incoming students. Additionally, I learned about the loose coupling of higher education organization and how each department is independent yet connected for a larger purpose. 

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Skills: As a development assistant, I developed my professional communication skills to achieve small and large scale tasks. I learned how to communicate with donors across various mediums – digital, written, and in-person. I learned the value of being warm and honest and not a college salesperson.